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The Royal Route: In the Footsteps of Charles IV – From Grandeur to Legend

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29 reviews
4 hours
Sightseeing tour
Pedestrian
permanently
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PRICE per person from
70 EUR
Check tour details or book by phone:
+420775101236

Short tour description

Embark on a fascinating journey along the Royal Route, the historic path once taken by Czech monarchs on their way to coronation. Majestic towers, ancient squares, Gothic cathedrals, and legendary streets await you, each holding the secrets of medieval Prague. Follow in the footsteps of Charles IV and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of a city where history comes to life at every step!

The Royal Route: In the Footsteps of Charles IV – From Grandeur to Legend

What`s included

  • Private licensed tour guide
  • Organizational support
  • Recommendations and guidance

What`s not included

  • Any entrance fees
  • Food and drinks
  • Entry/Admission
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

Embark on a fascinating journey along the Royal Route, the historic path once taken by Czech monarchs on their way to coronation. Majestic towers, ancient squares, Gothic cathedrals, and legendary streets await you, each holding the secrets of medieval Prague. Follow in the footsteps of Charles IV and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of a city where history comes to life at every step!


Starting Point: The Powder Tower

Address: Nám. Republiky 5, 110 00 Staré Město

We invite you on a fascinating journey along the Royal Route, along which the coronation processions of Czech monarchs have travelled for centuries. This route is the key to the heart of Prague, a living symbol of its greatness, where the secrets of kings, the mysteries of the Middle Ages and the spirit of bygone eras are hidden around every corner. We will follow the same path as Charles IV, the king who transformed Prague into the main city of the Holy Roman Empire, breathing Gothic, power and legends into it.

Our journey begins in Republic Square, where the Royal Court once stood, the first residence of Czech rulers in the centre of the city. It was from here that coronation processions began, to the solemn sounds of fanfares and the enthusiastic shouts of the citizens. Today, the Public House stands here – an architectural gem of Art Nouveau, but in the depths of centuries it was a medieval palace full of intrigue, luxury and palace conspiracies.

Passing under the Powder Tower arch, we will find ourselves where the old town began, protected by massive fortress walls. This was the main city gate through which future kings entered to prove their right to the throne. We will look up and see the Gothic decorations of the tower, hidden symbols and bas-reliefs telling the stories of great rulers.

We will then head down Celetná Street, one of the oldest and most picturesque streets in Prague. Here were the homes of alchemists, artisans and merchants, each living in anticipation of the next king. We will find out what secrets the ancient facades hide, why the street has such an unusual name and what was hidden in the laboratories of the alchemists who worked at the court of Charles IV.

Once on Old Town Square, we will feel at the very heart of medieval Prague. Here stands the Old Town Hall, famous for its astronomical clock – the Prague Eagle. Every hour a unique spectacle is played out here, during which the figures of the apostles make their procession and Death rings the bell to count down the time. We will learn the legend of Master Ganush who created this mechanism and the secrets hidden inside the ancient mechanism. On the other side of the square soars the Týn Church, a Gothic symbol of the Old Town’s independence. Its gloomy spires resemble a fortress of faith and medieval might, and its walls hold the greatest secrets of Czech history.

We will walk along Charles Street, a winding corridor that leads us to Crusader Square, where a statue of Charles IV stands as a reminder of his role in Prague’s destiny. It was he who conceived the Charles Bridge, which remains today the epitome of medieval grandeur.

Crossing the Vltava River, we will come to the Charles Bridge, an ancient passage between worlds, where each statue holds its own secret. We will learn why Charles IV chose this particular place for construction, what magical rituals were associated with the laying of the bridge and how it survived floods, wars and centuries of time.

Passing through the arch of the Malostranskie Bridge Towers, we will find ourselves in the Lesser Country – the neighbourhood of nobility, aristocracy and embassies. Here, among the majestic palaces, you can feel the true spirit of royal Prague. We will enter Malostranská Square, where we will see the Church of St Nicholas, one of the greatest masterpieces of Baroque architecture, under whose dome Mozart’s music was once played.

Then we will start walking up Neruda Street, where noble families, craftsmen and court alchemists lived in the Middle Ages. Here each house has a unique symbol that replaced the address – ‘By the Three Violins’, ‘By the Golden Wheel’, ‘By the Green Lobster’ – and behind each of them lies an unusual story.

As we walk up Ke Hradu Street, we will see the Prague Castle, which has crowned the Czech capital for several centuries. It is the largest castle complex in the world, the heart of power, where the fates of kings, emperors and entire nations have been decided. The ramp of the castle offers a majestic view of Prague, which has inspired poets, artists and philosophers.

This route is not just a tour, but a real royal procession that will take you through the most iconic places of old Prague. You will see the city through the eyes of Charles IV, feel the spirit of the great empire, hear legends that have survived the centuries and walk the same path as the kings of Bohemia over the centuries. Are you ready to travel back in time and touch the greatness of past eras? Then welcome to the Royal Route – from greatness to legend!


Tour Itinerary

  • The Public House (Obecní dům) is an Art Nouveau architectural masterpiece located on the site of the former residence of Czech kings.
  • Powder Tower (Prašná brána) – the Gothic gate of the Old Town, through which the royal route to Prague Castle began.
  • Celetná ulice (Celetná ulice) – an ancient trade route used by coronation processions and noble craftsmen.
  • Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí) – the heart of old Prague with its town hall, churches and medieval facades.
  • Old Town Hall (Staroměstská radnice) – the main town hall with the famous Orloj astronomical clock.
  • Prague Orloj – the oldest astronomical clock in the world, showing the time, positions of planets and zodiac signs.
  • Týnský chrám (Týnský chrám) – a majestic Gothic cathedral with two recognisable towers, preserving the spirit of the Middle Ages.
  • St Nicholas Church (Kostel sv. Mikuláše) is a Baroque gem of Old Town Square with magnificent frescoes and an organ.
  • Karlova ulice – a winding old street leading to the Charles Bridge with historical buildings and legends.
  • Křižovnické náměstí (Křižovnické náměstí) is a square near Charles Bridge, decorated with a statue of Charles IV and panoramic views.
  • Old Town Bridge Tower (Staroměstská mostecká věž) – one of the most beautiful Gothic towers in Prague, guarding the entrance to Charles Bridge.
  • Karlův most is a famous medieval bridge decorated with statues and connecting the Old Town with Lesser Town.
  • Malostranské Bridge Towers (Malostranské mostecké věže) – two towers protecting the Lesser Town and the entrance to the Charles Bridge.
  • Malostranské Square (Malostranské náměstí) – a historic square surrounded by palaces and the majestic Church of St. Nicholas.
  • The Church of St Nicholas on Malá Strana (Kostel sv. Mikuláše) is a grand Baroque cathedral with a luxurious interior.
  • Nerudova ulice (Nerudova Street) – a picturesque street where royal processions ascended, surrounded by aristocratic houses.
  • Ulice Ke Hradu (Ke Hradu Street) – the road to Prague Castle, which offers a magnificent view of Prague.
  • Prague Castle (Pražský hrad) is the largest castle complex in the world and the historical centre of the Czech monarchy.

Total route distance: 2.7 kilometers
Total tour duration: Approximately 4 hours


Why Choose This Tour?

  • Walk along the Royal Way – you will retrace the route of Czech monarchs who walked to their coronation while immersing yourself in the atmosphere of medieval Prague.
  • Discover the symbols of the city – from the majestic Powder Tower and Old Town Square to the iconic Charles Bridge and Prague Castle.
  • History, architecture and secrets – hear fascinating legends, admire Gothic cathedrals and learn how Prague has changed over the centuries.

Experience the spirit of old Prague and walk the way of kings!


Important Information

Maximum group size: Up to 7 people. For larger groups, pricing is calculated individually

Available languages: Russian, Czech, English, French

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Reviews

James R., USA
A brilliant way to experience Prague's history! Walking the same path as Charles IV, past the astronomical clock and over Charles Bridge — unforgettable.
5
Eva L., Deutschland
Diese Tour war sehr besonders. Man spürt bei jedem Schritt die Geschichte. Die Erklärungen zur Prager Burg und zur Karlsbrücke waren faszinierend.
5
Tomáš K., Česko
Když jdete po Královské cestě s průvodcem, vnímáte město úplně jinak. Týnský chrám a Celetná ulice byly pro mě vrcholem.
5
Sofiia B., Україна
Чудовий маршрут з величезною кількістю фактів, легенд і глибокого змісту. Справжня подорож у середньовіччя!
5
Lauren M., USA
From the Powder Tower to the gates of the castle, this was a masterclass in medieval Prague. Stunning sites and rich stories.
5
Stefan H., Deutschland
Eine der besten Stadtführungen, die ich je hatte. Historisch tief, aber nie trocken. Die Geschichten rund um Karl IV. waren beeindruckend.
5
Lucie S., Česko
Průvodkyně nám ukázala nejen slavná místa, ale i detaily, které bych jinak přehlédla. Orloj, Staromák, Karlova ulice – nádhera.
5
Andrii P., Україна
Стара площа, годинник, вузькі вулички — все це було неймовірно атмосферно. Дуже вдячний за цікаву екскурсію!
5
Emily J., USA
If you want to understand Prague’s soul, this is the tour to take. Gothic towers, ancient legends, and views to die for.
5
Heike S., Deutschland
Tolle Führung mit einer gelungenen Mischung aus Architektur, Geschichte und kleinen Anekdoten. Sehr kurzweilig!
5
Vojtěch N., Česko
Od Obecního domu až po Pražský hrad – tahle cesta je srdcem Prahy. Skvělá atmosféra a krásné tempo procházky.
5
Yuliia S., Україна
Дуже змістовно! Я дізналася про ритуали коронації, таємниці мосту й навіть алхіміків при дворі Карла IV.
5
Daniel C., USA
History, architecture, legends – this tour had it all. The walk up Neruda Street was my favorite part.
5
Leonie W., Deutschland
Man fühlt sich wirklich wie auf einem alten Königsweg. Besonders der Ausblick vom Hrad war atemberaubend.
5
Kristýna M., Česko
Každý krok byl spojený s nějakým příběhem – a to dělá procházku nezapomenutelnou. Nejvíc mě dostaly sochy na Karlově mostě.
5
Oleksii D., Україна
Це справжній королівський маршрут. Гід майстерно поєднував факти і легенди. Дуже атмосферно і глибоко.
5
Claire F., USA
This is the kind of tour you remember forever. Prague became alive with every word and view. A+
5
Jan B., Deutschland
Vom mittelalterlichen Prunk zum modernen Alltag – dieser Rundgang ist eine Reise durch die Zeit.
5
Barbora H., Česko
Tahle prohlídka byla víc než výklad – byl to zážitek. Cítila jsem se jako součást příběhu města.
5